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IHSS caregivers urge Board of Supervisors to back livable wages during public comment
Summary
Multiple in-person speakers at the July 22 Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting — including IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) providers and bargaining-team members — urged the board to support livable wages and a swift contract in ongoing negotiations. Speakers described financial strain, long hours, and the impact on care continuity.
At the July 22 meeting of the Lake County Board of Supervisors, a string of in-person public commenters who identified themselves as IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) providers asked supervisors to support higher pay during the county's contract negotiations.
Several providers said they are struggling to make ends meet while providing care to seniors and people with disabilities. Vicky Osborne, speaking as an SEIU bargaining-team member, said the providers’ contract had been expired since the end of 2023 and asked supervisors to support a wage "that reflects the cost of living." She told the board that caregivers help keep older adults in their homes and save the county large institutional costs.
Other speakers described personal hardship. Siva Jameli, who said he is 70 years old and works part time in IHSS, said he earns $17 an hour while fast-food jobs offer higher pay. Roseanne Domingo, a bargaining-team member, said IHSS saves the county “millions” by avoiding institutional placements and urged the board to treat long-term care as a budget priority.
Several speakers asked supervisors to press county negotiators to move the bargaining process forward so providers can reach an agreement. Board members acknowledged the testimony and said they would continue to monitor negotiations and consider the county budget implications.
The board did not take formal action on collective-bargaining terms during the meeting; commenters asked for supervisory support and for the county to prioritize funding in upcoming budget decisions.
Ending: The public comments underscored caregiver retention and pay as ongoing topics for county negotiations and budgeting. Supervisors and staff indicated they are tracking the negotiations and may consider budget and policy options as talks progress.
